Chapter 2.19: Dear J, Common Ground

Dear J, there I was, standing on the corner during my morning walk when a bright yellow sports car passed me, going very slowly. Naturally, it caught my attention because Leela has a car just like that.
Imagine my surprise and shock when I realized that it was Leela, but she was in the passenger seat. Why, you ask? Because my darling daughter, who I absolutely forbade to drive, was behind the wheel!
I wasn’t sure if they saw me, but I would have been hard to miss right out in the open like that. If she hadn’t been driving at the time, I would have called Blue right then and demanded an explanation. Instead, I had to hurry back home because I told Rachel I could watch her girls for a while.
You’d think that watching Thea and Phyllis wouldn’t be a problem for an old pro like me. But you haven’t met these two.
Thea does not like to talk. She makes eye contact when you speak to her, but she purses her lips closed and won’t answer me. I don’t know what I did, but it must have been something because she freaking talks to everyone else.
I can’t really complain about Phyllis other than the fact that she’s scared of grass and won’t let go of my neck. She’s little yet, so I’m trying not to judge.
As soon as Rachel showed up, Thea ran to her like I’d been beating her bloody for the past few hours. Rachel soothed her and I rolled my eyes even though they didn’t see me. I know, I know, I’m the adult. Whatever.
“Jeez, Leo, you’re in a bad mood,” Rachel pointed out with a frown. “Haven’t you heard from Leela?”
“We’ve talked briefly, but that’s not the problem right now anyway.”
“What’s happened?” she asked.
“Mommy! I want to go home. Uncle Leo didn’t feed me anything and I’m about to die!” Thea said.
“I don’t think you’re dying,” Rachel said with a sigh.
“She didn’t want macaroni and cheese,” I tried to explain.
“I’m lactose intolerant!” the little demon exclaimed.
“I’m sorry, I should have told you that. I guess I forgot,” Rachel said.
“You’d better get going,” I suggested. I didn’t feel like talking, especially with Thea carrying on like that. “I’ll know for next time.”
“Okay,” Rachel answered, giving me a kiss on the cheek before departing with her children.
What a day, I inwardly groaned.
Despite all the thinking I’d done about this, reminding myself to be calm when Blue got home, I’m afraid the first thing I did when she walked in the door was to get on her case.
“Young lady, you know how I feel about you driving! I saw you and Leela this morning!”
“Whoa, Dad!” she yelped, holding her hands up like stop signs.
“Well? How could you go behind my back like that? How could Leela allow this?”
Her face scrunched up in anger and she placed her hands on her hips. “Leela allowed it because I told her you were too busy and that it would be okay.”
“You lied to her?” I yelled. Taking a deep breath, I placed my hands together in front of me. “Don’t you know how important this is to me? I can’t believe you did this! What if you’d been in an accident!”
“Teens drive all the time and not all of us crash. It’s not fair that Ruby can drive and I can’t!” she retorted. “And I wish you’d calm down. You’ve never yelled at me like this before.”
As her eyes filled with tears, my heart was filled with remorse. I was still angered by her actions, but yelling wasn’t helpful at all. She didn’t even know why my rule about not driving was so important.
“I’m sorry, Blue. I shouldn’t have yelled.” As I spoke the words, I realized that I had let this incident poison my entire day. This wasn’t like me at all but I knew why it was happening. It was time to tell Blue everything, no excuses.
In a much calmer voice, I said, “Change into something warmer. We’re going on a little trip.”
Blue didn’t protest at all which kind of made me wonder if she could read my mind. Of course, I knew she couldn’t. Instead, she was probably able to sense that wherever I took her, it was a big deal.
As we pulled up to the Storybrook County Cemetery, Blue’s eyes widened.
“When I realized where we were, I thought you were taking me to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
I shook my head and stood at the entrance, finally facing my worst nightmare.
The cemetery was smaller than I remembered and overgrown. Some of the grave sites were covered in weeds as if no one had been there in a long time.
“It’s kind of spooky,” Blue said with a quiet voice.
“Yeah.”
Taking her hand and a deep breath, I stepped inside.
Jillybean, I’m sorry that I’ve never come here to visit you. It’s because I feel you with me all the time. In fact, I don’t believe you’re here at all.
Immediately, I knew which grave was hers before even reading the stone marker. Mom and Dad had obviously been taking care of things.
Forgetting Blue, I stumbled forward and stared down at the stone.

“Jillian Day CapraFondly Loved and Deeply Mourned”

“Who is she, Daddy?” came Blue’s soft voice from behind me.
I tried to answer her, but the words stuck in my throat like a huge lump, making it impossible to speak for a good few minutes.
Leaning down, I brushed some dirt away and gently ran my fingers over the engraving of her name. The stone was smooth and cold to the touch and I wiped away some stray tears that had begun rolling down my face.
Without thinking about it, I recited all I could remember of the poem that was read at her funeral:

“If tears could build a stairwayand thoughts a memory laneI’d walk right up to heavenand bring you home againNo Farewell words were spokenNo time to say goodbyeYou were gone before I knew itAnd only God knows why.”

“Daddy?”
Straightening up, I took some deep breaths in an attempt to overcome this despair that had overtaken me.
“She has your birthday.”
Clearing my constricted throat, I was finally able to find my voice. “This is my twin sister Jilly. I — I called her Jillybean.”
A sob escaped my lips as Blue put her hand on my back. She stood statue still, just resting her hand there. She didn’t do the unnecessary patting that people sometimes do. All that was left of my twin was hard and cold. Blue’s hand radiated warmth into my back and into my soul. I took courage from her simple touch. She loved me unconditionally and she would wait patiently until I explained everything there was to know about my dead sister.
“Jillybean had dark hair… a lot like yours,” I began slowly, my voice barely above a whisper.
And so I told her the entire story. Not just of the accident and aftermath, but I told her who Jillybean was to me. I recited all of the things I loved about her and how she knew me better than I knew myself. The fun we had at the beach and what her laugh sounded like when I splashed her.
Blue stood quietly, not interrupting as if she was afraid it would make me stop…
Telling her about the car crash was the most difficult part. But I described everything to her; the flashing lights, the screeching of tires, everything moving in slow motion, the feeling of knowing you’re going to crash but also knowing there was no way to avoid it. And your life changing for the worse in just a few split seconds.
Slowly, we moved to the nearest bench. It was hard to read her expression. Her eyes and nose were red as if she’d been crying. Then I realized that I probably looked the same way.
“And that’s why you don’t ever want me to drive? It’s why you don’t drive anymore?”
I nodded. “I just couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
“I love you, too, Daddy, but can’t you see that not letting me drive isn’t right? I mean, what happened to you wasn’t your fault.”
“That’s what people say,” I said. “A crash can happen so fast. And it changes your life forever.”
Obviously changing gears, she said, “You said your sister said one last thing to you. What was it?”
Fresh tears welled up in my eyes as I choked out, “She said…. She said, ‘I know I act like it’s stupid, but,’” my voice broke up and I swallowed back my grief, “‘keep playing your music, Leo. You’re really good.’”
Blue wiped her eyes and squeezed my hand. “Oh, Daddy… it’s all so tragic.”
“I’ve never been able to talk about it before. I’m sorry I waited so long to tell you about it.”
“I know now.”
“So you understand why I made that rule about not driving?”
She nodded.
We sat in silence for a moment, each of us lost in our own thoughts. A light breeze rustled the weeds that crowded over some of the graves and the drawn out lament of a Mourning Dove faintly wafted across the air. Like me, it all seemed so sad and forgotten.
But I wasn’t really forgotten and neither was Jillybean.
I glanced at Blue. She was my legacy and my reason for living. If Jillybean hadn’t died, Blue likely wouldn’t be here. Knowing this, I could not trade one for the other. This girl sitting next to me was all that really mattered and we both had a lot of living to do yet.
Encircling her in my arms, I held her tightly, burying my nose in her soft, jet black hair. Breathing in the scent of her shampoo, I lightly kissed her on the cheek before letting her go.
As she regarded me with those large green eyes, my heart melted. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, are you?”
“Yeah.”
We didn’t need to say anything more than that. What we’d shared here at Jillybean’s graveside had brought us together like nothing else ever could. And, for the first time in my life since the accident, I felt relieved. I hadn’t expected to feel that way but there it was, fresh and new.
“We’d better get home, it’s getting late,” I said. “But first, I have to ask you if you know what you did was wrong?”
She stared at her feet for a second, kicking a pebble. “I lied and I’m sorry.”
“And you went behind my back,” I reminded her.
“I’m sorry for that, too. I guess I wasn’t thinking about what would happen if you found out.”
“I’ve never really had to punish you before which astounds me since trouble’s all I was in growing up.” I paused just then because I realized that I didn’t even know how to punish her. “What do you think your punishment should be?”
She thought for a minute then said, “Hmmm….. maybe I should be grounded for a day or a week or something.”
Clearly, she had no idea how this worked either. “I was thinking more like two months. That means coming home straight after school, no evenings out with Ruby or anyone else.”
“But I’ll be grounded until prom!”
“You’re lucky you’re going to prom at all,” I said without any tone of anger. Was I being too hard on her? “There are consequences for the things you do, good or bad.”
“I understand that now, but two whole months? That seems really excessive! Can we do one month instead? I promise this will not happen again.”
Was it okay to bargain like this? I narrowed my eyes at her as I thought about it. Shrugging, I decided to go with it. “All right. One month.” Then I slyly added, “I’m afraid since you’re grounded, your driving lessons are going to have to wait.”
“Really?” she squealed. “Are you going to teach me?”
I laughed slightly for the first time today. The fear of Blue getting into a car accident was still there, but I did realize I couldn’t hold her back. “No. I’m in no position to teach anyone how to drive. Here’s the deal, though. You have to tell Leela you lied to her and ask her to forgive you. Then, we’ll have to see if she will agree to teach you.”
“I’ll do it, I promise! Thank you so much,” she said, wiping away tears again. “I’ll be really careful; you don’t have to worry.”
“I’ll always worry about you, even when you’re sixty,” I said with a smile. “Oh, I have something that I want you to keep for me.”
“What is it?”
Reaching into my jacket, I pulled out the little card that I always kept somewhere on me. It’s edges were worn and it had faded slightly, but you could read it just fine.
“I don’t need this anymore. Do whatever you want with it.”
As she took it and carefully read it, I felt like I had let go of something I’d been keeping bottled up inside for way too long. Jillybean would always be an important part of me, but I didn’t need to hang onto this quite so tightly anymore.Author’s Note: To reread the entry of the accident: Click Here. To reread the chapter with the funeral: Click Here.“If Tears Could Build a Stairway” was originally written by Paula Davis in May 2004 after her younger brother died. Since then, variations of the original have been floating around the internet with the infamous “Author Unknown” attached to it. This is one of the variations of the original. The little poem in the memorial card is an epitaph from a grave stone in Sutcombe Churchyard, Devon.

37 comments

Blue did something wrong, but I can understand her as much as I can understand Leo. Of course, forbidding her to drive wasn’t reasonable when she really wanted it. I think Leo should have told Blue about everything sooner. The end is so sad and nostalgic. By the way, prom is just two months away – can’t wait for it.

Thank you, Jowita. 🙂 I agree that Leo should have told her sooner. Forbidding her to drive definitely was not reasonable; it was quite irrational, so it’s a good thing he’s come around on that. 🙂 Prom turned out great! I can’t wait until you see. 🙂

Hiya! Can you believe the nerve of Blue?? I feel she let us all down! LOL Well done Leo handling that situation…but if he had told her sooner…..Looks like Leo is doing some growing up too. It’s hard carrying around hurt like that so I am glad he will be letting that go slowly now. PROM!! Is she going to have a date???? Oh by the way my fav aunt refuses to drive too for the exact same situation Leo was in. She is 65 now.

Thank you, Bee and hiya! 🙂 That’s really interesting about your aunt. I think you’re right about Leo growing up and letting go of things that belong in the past now. Hopefully, he will continue down this road of healing. 🙂 And prom! Yes, she just might have a date! 😀 But you’ll have to wait for all of that until the next chapter. 🙂

Wow, this is so incredibly sad, heartfelt, and really gives Leo the closure he’s needed after all these years. Blue was wrong to lie, but I understand her side of things. You have to let go even when it’s hard and trust that she will make good decisions. When he decided to ground her for two months I was with Blue on thinking it was a little excessive! Lol I’m glad they compromised on one. Prom sounds exciting! I wonder if Blue will have a date or maybe her and Ruby will go stag together. Going with friends was always more fun in my opinion. 🙂
Also, I wonder what Thea’s deal is with Leo. He can’t seem to think of a reason why she won’t talk to him and neither can I. Who knows with kids, really. Such a great chapter! <3

Thank you so much! 🙂 I agree with everything you say. I’m glad, too, that Leo was finally able to let go of some of this baggage that has held him back. Blue was definitely wrong, but as you said, her side of things makes sense seeing as how the rule about not driving was a bit irrational. You’re definitely right that as parents, you have to let go and not hold back and just trust that you’ve taught them how to make the right decisions. Wait until you see prom! 😀 That’s in the next chapter. 🙂 As for Thea, maybe she could sense Leo’s sour mood. haha

It was only expected that she would get lessons behind his back. That’s what happens when there’s not enough communucation.
On the bright side, that may be just what was needed to push Leo along. I’m glad they’ve finally talked things out.

So glad Leo finally opened up to Blue, and he did it in the most perfect way. They now have something to bond over, and will bring them close for the rest of their lives. Now, he needs to be as honest with Leela

This chapter broke my heart and mended it at the same time! I am really happy that Leo finally told Blue what happened and kinda finally let go of his grief, but it also made me sad all over again about Jilly’s death.
I know it was wrong of Blue to lie, but I do understand why she did it, it was only to be expected after Leo kept the situation from her for such a long time. I agree, two months is a bit excessive, I’m glad they worked it out to a month. And besides, that was the catalyst for Leo to reveal the truth and have a bonding time with his daughter, so I maybe approve a tiny little bit of what she did, haha.
Lovely chapter! Now I need Leo to make things up with Leela! *flails arms*

Hahaha! Thank you, Lila! 😀 Yes, Leo definitely needs to figure out how to bring Leela around! I agree. 😀 What Blue did was sneaky, but I totally get that she thought it was her only option to be a normal teen. Especially if Ruby’s already driving now. You’re so right that it was the catalyst in bringing about Leo’s confession to Blue about his past. So, maybe what she did wasn’t so bad. lol

Wonderful chapter, and I cried!! =( Everyone has said all the good stuff I feel about this chapter, so “ditto”! Sometimes personal growth hurts, but we can’t look forward if we keep stumbling over things that are behind us. ♥

I love Leo so much. I’m so glad he was finally able to let go of all that hurt! I hope that he does allow Blue to drive one day but I also hope that she trusts that her dad really does have her best interests at heart.
Oh, parenting.

Such a great chapter! It’s about time Leo got all that off his chest. I was so moved when he recited the poem. And I loved how supportive and loving Blue is, so I hope that Leo eventually allows/maybe even teaches her to drive

I’m so glad Leo finally told Blue. My opinion she got off easy. My parents would have killed me if I did something like that behind their backs regardless of the reasons behind it. But it’s good he was willing to listen to her side of things and it gave him closure. I do have serious concerns about Leela giving her driving lessons though. She should have called Leo first just to make sure it was ok. then again I don’t much like her and can’t see why others feel that Leo should make up with her when she’s the one who broke things off with him without explanation. I’ll just wait for the next chapter to see how this all works out.

Thank you, dandylion! 🙂 (I had a friend in high school named Danny that I always called dandylion lol :D) Anyway, I’m really glad he finally told Blue, too. My parents would have been really tough on me, too, if I’d done anything like that. That’s an interesting point you bring up about Leela. I think you’re right that she should have called Leo to ask if it was okay instead of just taking Blue’s word for it. I think I would have called considering I was allowing a young teen to take control of a vehicle. I’m glad you brought that up. As far as what’s up with Leela breaking things off with Leo like she did, you won’t have to wait long to find out how that gets resolved. 🙂

YAY! He finally told! Now, to fix things with Leela…please.
This was really profound: Knowing this, I could not trade one for the other. I always think about that when people make serious mistakes that yield positive results. Like, kids having sex and getting pregnant. When they’re older and wiser, they regret what they did, but they would never wish away or regret their children. But of course if they never did what they did, they wouldn’t have the kids. It’s weird how that works.

Whew! You really have a way of pulling at the heartstrings. I love this chapter.
I’m so glad that Leo has… had this conversation. It’s due time. I’m also glad that it’s Blue he told the story to first, not Leela. I think Blue deserved to know this.
The character development is amazing as usual. Just amazing.

Thank you so very much for how you’ve been binge reading, providing great feedback and also for your encouraging and nice words. It means so much. <3
About Leo, I totally agree that Blue should have been the first to hear this from her dad. He really waited too long, but at least he finally did it. 🙂

I’m a huge fan of Leo but now I’m a Blue fan, too. I love the way she gave Leo the emotional space to share his story.
So wonderful that Leo could finally share with Blue. No retaliation against Fan Weekly?!?!

About the Author

Hi, my name is Kymber but you may know me by my pseudonym, Rosemary Castevet. I’m an author, simmer, Registered Nurse, Judy Garland devotee, and horror buff. Did I mention I’m currently owned by Cesare the cat? On top of all of that, I’m a redheaded INFJ who is also a vegan. I’m glad you’re here! Grab a comfy chair and settle in for a fun read.